Demographics
As of 2022, Burnett County, WI, has a population of approximately 16,158. The median age is 53 years, reflecting a notably older demographic. Around 50.5% are male and 49.5% female. Racially, the population is predominantly White (89.2%), followed by Native American (7.4%), Black or African American (0.6%), Asian (0.3%), and those of Hispanic or Latino origin make up about 2.1%. Burnett County has a relatively low population density with rural characteristics.
Elections
Burnett County, WI, had approximately 12,000 registered voters as of 2022. Elections include federal, state, and local races. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 63.3% of county votes, while Joe Biden got 34.9%. There are around 10 polling locations across town halls and public buildings. Key issues include property taxes, broadband access, and land use. The Burnett County Clerk oversees election administration. The county tends to favor Republican candidates, though both major parties compete. Voter turnout for general elections typically ranges from 65% to 75%.
Education, Employment and Housing
Burnett County, WI hosts several public schools, including two main high schools—Webster and Siren—serving roughly 800 high school students. The county’s high school graduation rate is about 91%, while 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety scores are above the state average, with minimal reported incidents. Educational programs include advanced placement, technical education, and adult learning opportunities. There are a total of 8 public schools in the county. Overall, Burnett County schools earn an average rating of 6/10 for academic performance and offer ongoing adult education and GED programs.
Burnett County, WI, had an employment rate of approximately 54% in 2022, with around 8,100 employed residents. The largest industries are health care and social assistance (19%), retail trade (13%), and educational services (11%). The most common occupations include office/administrative support (12%) and management (11%). About 74% of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Roughly 65% of workers are employed within the county, while others commute primarily to neighboring Polk and Washburn counties for employment opportunities.
Burnett County, WI, has a homeownership rate of approximately 80%, with median home values around $220,000 as of 2023. Median rent is about $950 per month. The housing market is stable, with property values rising by roughly 5% annually. Most homes are single-family houses, cabins, and lakefront properties. Notable neighborhoods include Grantsburg and Webster. Property tax rates average 1.4%, meaning annual taxes on a median home are about $3,080. The area is popular for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a rural lifestyle with affordable housing options compared to urban regions.
County Crime & Safety
Burnett County, WI, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2023, there were approximately 210 reported crimes, including 18 violent offenses and 192 property-related cases, with a crime rate of about 14.3 per 1,000 residents. The sheriff’s department actively promotes safety, and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities through the tip line or online system. Overall, Burnett County’s proactive law enforcement and community engagement help keep both crime incidents and response times low, contributing to a perception of safety among residents.
Popular names
- Steven Johnson
- David Anderson
- James Nelson
- Robert Olson
- Thomas Myers
- David Nelson
- Michael Johnson
- Susan Johnson
- Timothy Johnson
- Carol Peterson
- Cheryl Johnson
- Craig Peterson
- Dennis Ernst
- Dennis Johnson
- Linda Scott
- Mary Johnson
- Michael Miller
- Patricia Olson
- Paul Johnson
- Paula Spafford
- Richard Johnson
- Robert Peterson
- Angela Johnson
- Barbara Olson
- Brian Erickson
- Brian Sternquist
- Brian Williams
- Bruce Johnson
- Charles Becvar
- Christopher Anderson
- Cristie Holwerda
- Dana Daniels
- Daniel Johnson
- Daniel Peterson
- David Johnson
- David Taylor
- Gary Johnson
- Gary Marek
- Heather Haaf
- Heather Larson
- James Anderson
- James Johnson
- Jennifer Johnson
- Jennifer Smith
- John Anderson
- John Howe
- Katie Bergstrom
- Mary Brown
- Matthew Swenson
- Michael Nelson
- Nicole Johnson
- Peggy Johnson
- Richard Peterson
- Robert Anderson
- Robert Johnson
- Robert Smith
- Robin Schultz
- Ryan Johnson
- Sandra Johnson
- Scott Johnson
Other Counties in Wisconsin
- Adams
- Ashland
- Barron
- Bayfield
- Brown
- Buffalo
- Calumet
- Chippewa
- Clark
- Columbia
- Crawford
- Dane
- Dodge
- Door
- Douglas
- Dunn
- Eau Claire
- Florence
- Fond Du Lac
- Forest
- Grant
- Green
- Green Lake
- Iowa
- Iron
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Juneau
- Kenosha
- Kewaunee
- La Crosse
- Lafayette
- Langlade
- Lincoln
- Manitowoc
- Marathon
- Marinette
- Marquette
- Menominee
- Milwaukee
- Monroe
- Oconto
- Oneida
- Outagamie
- Ozaukee
- Pepin
- Pierce
- Polk
- Portage
- Price